Police Officer (Lateral)

Police Officer

Starting Hiring Range: $79,492 - $100,582, annually

Only those candidates passing the minimum qualifications and supplemental questions on the online application will receive an email with further instructions and exam confirmation.

Police Officer Lateral Policy: Eligibility: Applicant must possess, at time of application, the following valid certifications: TCOLE Peace Officer License. Applicant must possess, at the time of application, the following experience: A minimum of 2 year of continuous full-time employment which required a TCOLE Peace Officer License, or an equivalent certification. Any break in service that exceeds 12 months preceding the date of their application will require additional review.

Lateral Pay Program: Step # - Years of Service Credit

2 - 2

3 - 3

4 - 4

5 - 5

6 - 6

7 - 7

8 - 8

Definitions: Service Credit(s) – continuous full-time employment which: was with a comparably-sized municipality or an agency that provides similar environmental and job-related experience in addition to successful completion of an approved Academy and Field Training Program.

For information on background disqualification of Police Officer Applicants: Please visit:

Under supervision, this position performs a variety of duties to an assigned area of responsibility such as identifying and apprehending criminal violators; controls and maintains public order and safety; performs related duties as required. Constantly interacting with citizens and merchants to address not only crime and traffic safety concerns, but quality of life issues.

Responds to dispatched calls for all types of police services including motor vehicle crashes, assaults, domestic disturbances, thefts and other criminal or civil complaints; first responder to terrorist attack, man-made and natural disasters, frequently deals with DWI suspects/offenders, other intoxicated persons, and persons with mental disorders; patrol assigned geographic area to identify and deter criminal activity and public safety hazards. Investigates traffic accidents; arrests criminal and traffic law violators; issues citations and testifies in legal proceedings; conducts investigations of criminal offenses, participates and provides accurate reports/testimony in internal investigations, searches for missing persons, and attends all public safety incidents.

Operates an emergency vehicle during both the day and night, in emergency and pursuit situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits while exercising due care and caution, and in exception to traffic control devices, in congested traffic, in unsafe road conditions and environmental conditions such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow. Communicates effectively over law enforcement radio channels while initiating traffic stops and responding to calls for service, often under stressful conditions such as siren usage and high-speed vehicle operation.

Writes reports of offenses, accidents, arrests and other public safety incidents; directs traffic; intervenes and mediates in crisis situations and all types of disputes; performs building and residence security checks; provides high law enforcement visibility to deter crime and inspire community sense of security; refers citizens with non-law enforcement problems to appropriate social service agencies. Attends shift briefings; obtain assignments and equipment. Communicates with other officers, detectives, and district attorney's office about cases.

Executes misdemeanor and felony warrants of arrest; receives crime victims and general public at front desk, refers them to the proper authority; takes fines and bonds and releases prisoners; fingerprints immigration licensing applicants, employment applicants. Transfers prisoners to and from other agencies. Presents crime prevention programs; provide residential and commercial security surveys. Performs related duties and special projects as assigned. Responsible for regular attendance and arriving to work on time.

All other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED equivalent is required. If served in the U.S. military: must have been honorably discharged and will be required to provide DD-214. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be a United States Citizen.

Knowledge of and ability to correctly interpret modern police principles, methods, and practices; state, federal, and local criminal and juvenile laws and statutes and procedures; Texas criminal justice and court systems, and the principles of criminal justice records management; duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a Police Officer; investigative and interrogative procedures, and protocols for observation of critical details; local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.

Ability to communicate in a clear, effective, and concise manner, both orally and in writing.

Skilled in analyzing, negotiation and mediation techniques, problem solving techniques, investigating crime scenes, and recognizing evidence and causes of crime, death, and accidents.

Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress.

Skilled in the care, maintenance, and safe operation of a variety of firearms, impact weapons, chemical agents, and other law enforcement tools and equipment.

Skilled in and ability to work as a team member with other law enforcement and multi-jurisdictional agencies.

Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from distraught and irate individuals.

Ability to follow instructions, safety practices, procedures, and perform work accurately and thoroughly which requires performing multiple tasks simultaneously under time pressures, intense stress, and deadlines.

Skilled in the operation of communications equipment, computer, two-way radios, and required equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with all people.

Ability to correctly interpret, explain, and apply laws, rules, operations, practices, procedures, regulations, and policies.

Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.

Ability to appear and testify in Court.

Ability to be organized and have efficient management of time and deadlines.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Knowledge and ability to utilize computers and applicable software on a daily basis including: Microsoft Office Suite, CRIMES CAD system, PSRS, and Identix.

Ability to allocate and utilize limited resources in a cost-effective manner.

Ability to regularly interact with others and exchange and receive of information, providing effective and tactful customer service, and work independently with a high level of discretion.

Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.

Ability to pass a comprehensive background check, CJIS and fingerprint check, and have the ability to comply with state and federal requirements for criminal justice information security standards. This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing during the course of employment. Must possess and maintain a valid Texas class "C" driver's license with acceptable driving record as established by the City of Midlothian driving standards. Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer Certification is required at the time of application.

Work Environment: Work is primarily in field environment and involves considerable exposure to weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, ice, and dust, and potential physical danger, hazardous situations and materials, biohazardous materials, infectious and contagious diseases, and physical assaults. Physical demands are medium and require standing, walking, running, climbing, jumping, crawling, crouching etc. May be required to lift or carry heavy objects over 170 lbs. and physically restrain a resisting person. Occasional to frequent risk of physical abuse or wounds; noise exposure during firearms practice or training; rare exposure to caustic substances from chemical releases.

The City of Midlothian offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees.

Health & Wellness Benefits Employees enjoy robust medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for themselves and eligible dependents, along with access to telehealth, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection plans. The City also provides life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage, with options to add supplemental and dependent life plans.

Retirement & Financial Planning Full-time employees participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), contributing 7% of their pay with a generous 2-to-1 City match. Vesting occurs after five years, with multiple retirement options available. A voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan is also offered for additional retirement savings.

Paid Leave & Time Off Employees receive paid vacation leave, sick leave, and city-observed holidays, with leave accruals and usage managed through established City policies.

Professional Growth & Support Programs The City is committed to employee growth through training programs, career development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement. Employee morale and engagement are further supported through City-sponsored events and recognition programs.